Everybody loves a fun snack. So, we curated this blog post on how to make cake pops recipe for the ones who like to enjoy their food a little more than usual. Or let’s say you invited all your friends to a party you are hosting soon and you need a party trait. In that case, let’s dive right in!
Overall, it is easy to find a cake pop recipe. But this comprehensive article will provide you with different variations of delicious cake pops and answer a lot of questions like what is the best way to dip your cake pop into the coating, and what goes into the dough. The catch is that the cake pop recipe is a breeze to follow and beginner-friendly.
What Are Cake Pops?
Cake pops are a form of cake with a fun little twist. They are shaped like lollipops, hence the word ‘’pop’’ in the name! The shape resembles that of a lollipop because the cake inside the chocolate cover is shaped into a ball which explains why they are also called cake balls. They are round, they look like lollipops, and they taste like cake.
Cake Pop 101
Class! Gather around, for there are some fundamental questions to be answered about the anatomy of cake pops before we cut to the chase. Here you can find everything you should know:
What is cake pop dough made of?
Simply, a cake pop dough is acquired by mixing cake with buttercream to be able to easily give it the desired sphere-like lollipop shape that it is confined after.
What is cake pop coating made of?
There are three significant compartments of the cake pop icing: confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. These three magic ingredients should be mixed and combined slowly for a smooth texture.
What is the secret to dipping cake pops?
This one might take a couple of tries before you perfect your technique. The trick is to use one single sweep and smooth motion of submerging the cake ball into the candy coating. You don’t want to break the cake or make it fall off the stick.
So, using your dominant hand can help you control the motion better and result in a steady dipping process. With this little but effective trick under your sleeve, you can make perfectly smooth cake pops.
Can you follow a cake pop recipe without frosting?
You can always get a little creative and melt some chocolate to cover your cake pops! There are no rules when it comes to icing. If you like a more chocolatey taste, definitely go for it! Pro tip: Be sure to move quickly as melted chocolate tends to set quickly. You have a short opening to work with but the taste is going to be worth it!
If you are hesitant to try this easy cake pop recipe watch the TikTok video below by the creator @happytummy_702 before we go over the ingredients. They simplified the complicated-looking steps. It is also good for those who like to learn visually.
Ingredients
Here is everything you’ll need for this classic and easy cake pop recipe:
For the Cake
1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
Ingredients required for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
¼ cup (52g) unflavoured vegetable oil
For the Frosting
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter - room temperature
1 cup (120 g) icing sugar - also known as confectioners/powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence/extract
1 tsp milk
For the Coating
2 cups of candy melts or chocolate
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (optional, for thinning the candy melts)
For Decorating
Sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings (optional)
Tools
Lollipop sticks
Styrofoam block (optional)
How to Make Cake Pops
Cake Preparation
Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the cake mix, including the additional vegetable oil.
Bake the cake as directed, then let it cool for 15 minutes.
Run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake, and transfer it to a large bowl.
Cake Crumbling
Once the cake is cool enough to handle, break it apart with your hands and crumble it into fine crumbs. Allow it to cool completely.
Frosting
In a medium bowl, combine butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for 4 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
Assembly
Add 3/4 of the frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until just combined.
Check the consistency: if the mixture is moist enough to roll into balls, stop there. If not, add the remaining frosting and mix. Be careful not to add too much frosting to avoid making the cake pops too mushy.
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into balls and place them on a lined tray. Freeze for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes, then roll them again to make them smooth and round. That’s the trick to have your cake pops smooth textured and perfectly shaped.
Freeze the rolled cake balls for another 30 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Ice Coating
In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth.
Gradually add icing sugar and mix on low, then medium speed until combined.
Add vanilla essence and milk, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip
If too thick, add a few drops of milk. If too thin, add more icing sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
Coating Cake Pops
Freeze cake balls for 30 minutes.
Dip each cake pop into the icing, swirling to coat. Tap off excess and decorate immediately if desired.
Place upright in a Styrofoam block or similar until set.
Chocolate Coating
When the cake balls are nearly ready, melt the chocolate. Place half of the chocolate in a microwave-safe mug and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler and then pour the melted chocolate into a cup.
Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it halfway into a cake ball. Repeat for all the sticks.
Holding the stick, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap off the excess chocolate on the edge of the cup, then swirl the cake pop to smooth out the chocolate. Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Place the cake pops upright to set completely, using a cup filled with rice, a cardboard box with holes, or Styrofoam.
Last Touches and Important Tips
Repeat the coating and decorating steps for the remaining cake pops. If the chocolate thickens, reheat it as needed. If the cake balls soften too much, return them to the freezer for an additional 10 minutes or to the fridge for another 30 minutes.
Allow the cake pops to set completely before serving.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information for Cake Pops
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 166 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 1 g |
Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
Cholesterol | 6 mg |
Sodium | 90 mg |
Potassium | 57 mg |
Fiber | 0.1 g |
Sugar | 15 g |
Vitamin A | 75 IU |
Calcium | 41 mg |
Iron | 0.3 mg |
Nutrition Information for Cake Pops
How to make different variations of cake pops?
We know everyone enjoys a different flavor so we found out the easiest way to change up the recipe to have the desired flavor for the cake pops. The simplest method for making different flavored cake balls is to start with a basic recipe for cake pops and adjust the frosting and cake mix to suit the desired flavor.
Use a chocolate cake mix and chocolate frosting for chocolate cake pops, or a vanilla cake mix and vanilla frosting for vanilla cake pops. Cream cheese frosting and a red velvet cake mix can be used to make red velvet cake pops. Crushed Oreos are combined with cream cheese to form cake balls, which are then dipped in melted milk or white chocolate to make Oreo cake pops. With this method, you can easily change the type of cake mix and frosting used to make the basic recipe into a variety of flavors.
This way, you can be creative, come up with your own special recipe, and stun your guests, family, or friends!
Here you can watch this TikTok video by the creator @xosimplysweeet making $215 worth of cake pops to inspire you before you start your cake pop adventure. They have amazing tips and tricks too!
Conclusion
With this simple cake pop recipe, your creativity can shine through and you can try almost any flavor. It is always fun to try out new ways to enjoy food and this versatile guide will help you do just that!
If this is your first time with the cake pops, allow yourself to perfect your method and pay attention to the tips we talked about earlier to achieve a smooth texture for the cake and the coating.
Don’t hesitate to share your favorite cake pop recipe and let us know if you have a special way to make them. Have fun while preparing the delicious cake pops with this comprehensive guide!
Comments